Floor load structure for vehicle body to frame mount

Abstract

A vehicle floor structure includes a cross member having a substantially constant cross section shape. A spacing member is disposed beneath the cross member for securing to a chassis frame. The spacing member is positioned relative to the cross member to define an enclosed cavity between the spacing member and the cross member. The floor structure also includes a first collar affixed within the enclosed cavity. A fastener extends through the spacing member and the cross member, and compresses the first collar when the floor structure is secured to the chassis frame.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A vehicle floor structure comprising:
 a cross member having a substantially constant cross-section shape; 
 a spacing member disposed beneath the cross member for securing to a chassis frame and defining an enclosed cavity between the spacing member and the cross member; 
 a first collar affixed within the enclosed cavity; and 
 a fastener extending through the spacing member and the cross member that compresses the first collar when securing the floor structure to the chassis frame. 
 
     
     
       2. The vehicle floor structure of  claim 1  wherein the cross member is an aluminum extrusion that extends substantially across a lateral width of the vehicle. 
     
     
       3. The vehicle floor structure of  claim 2  wherein the cross member defines an internal cavity having a second collar affixed in axial alignment with the first collar such that the fastener compresses both of the first and second collars when secured to the chassis frame. 
     
     
       4. The vehicle floor structure of  claim 2  wherein the aluminum extrusion defines an enclosed cavity having at least one internal wall oriented at an oblique angle in alignment with an interior component loading direction. 
     
     
       5. The vehicle floor structure of  claim 1  wherein the cross member is formed from an aluminum alloy sheet material. 
     
     
       6. The vehicle floor structure of  claim 1  wherein the fastener extends upwardly through the cross member having an extended portion for attaching an interior seat. 
     
     
       7. The vehicle floor structure of  claim 1  further comprising a seat attachment disposed above the fastener, wherein the seat attachment is located with a lateral offset from the fastener.